Shakib Al Hasan, an all-rounder and Bangladeshi mainstay, has finally passed his third bowling action review, ending a difficult chapter in his career. The 37-year-old has been given the all-clear to return to bowling after being sidelined for a suspicious action during a County Championship game in September 2024. Shakib, however, feels that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) should have handled the matter more effectively overall, especially in terms of communication.
After an independent assessment, Shakib’s worries about his bowling motion were deemed unlawful. After that, he went through two reviews in India and England, but he failed both. Due to his deteriorating batting form, selectors were unwilling to include him in Bangladesh’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 since they only wanted to use him as a hitter. The seasoned all-rounder did, however, want to play for his nation in the prestigious competition.
Cricbuzz cited Shakib Al Hasan as stating, “Look, I don’t have any complaints, but if the communication was better in that case, I would have been happier,”
Khadem on Shakib Al Hasan: “I believe he was rushing in the first two attempts.”
Shakib Al Hasan took matters into his own hands in the hopes of making a comeback. He received training from Sirajullah Khadem (Nipu), a long-time friend from Bangladeshi cricket circles, and Surrey head coach Gareth Batty. On March 9, 2025, he passed his third reassessment exam in England at Loughborough University thanks to his preparedness. Shakib’s teammate at the 2006 U-19 World Cup, Nipu, said the all-rounder benefited from improved preparation this time.
“He wasn’t under a lot of stress or the voyage was particularly challenging. He was fully aware of his obligations. I believe he was hurried on the first two tries. But this time, he was well-prepared, and he received his reward—passing the third test—for it. He bowled a lot before the third test, and we practiced for four to five hours every day,” Khadem remarked.
Bangladesh had a dismal season, therefore it’s possible that Shakib Al Hasan omission from the Champions Trophy roster cost them dearly. Many people think that Shakib might have participated in the tournament and possibly ended his ODI career on his terms if the BCB had handled the matter differently and communicated more effectively. He was just excluded from the key contracts by the board as well.
India
